Engine will not stay running

Are you getting spark after this starts then stalls? So, you replaced all these parts and then it starts and stalls, can you check to see if you have spark on a plug now?

If you have no spark, then I suspect we have an issue with the distributor. I have seen on these older Ford engines where the rotors keep breaking and the distributor shaft is the reason.

So, we need to check for spark.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-an-ignition-system

If there is no spark, then we need to track down why we have no spark.

However, if you have spark then we most likely have a fuel issue.

So, try and use starter fluid in the intake and see if the engine starts.

If it does then we need to switch to a fuel issue, and it is most likely a pump issue.

I attached some info from the manual on this so let's start with this and go from there.

Thanks

Okay. Let's take a step back. That is great info and should help.

When you add fuel, it starts? Does it start and run on its own without adding fuel to the carb?

If so, did you empty the tank and put clean fresh fuel in it? If so, we need to start with that because we start looking for an air issue.

If you have spark and fuel and it starts and stalls, then that is due to an air/fuel imbalance.

However, poor fuel quality will cause this exact thing, so we need to drain the tank and start fresh. Don't try to add additives as this will not work either.

Let me know what you find, and we can go from there.

Thanks

Okay. That is good info.

Let's do two things just to start crossing things off the list because if it ran when you parked it and you have fuel and spark now then we have to be dealing with old fuel.

We need to do it this way because I have wasted enough time to know it is always better to do it this way.

Disconnect the supply line to the carb and run it into a bucket or fuel can just because we don't want it going into the engine. If you can drain the bowl as well, then that is great.

Then change the spark plugs and use only starter fluid to start the engine with the new plugs installed.

Here is what I think is happening or at least we need to completely eliminate it as a possibility. The fuel is old and no longer able to combust properly, and the engine will not start or when it does, it stalls quickly.

I bet we have now fouled the plugs and they are wet with fuel and not able to start the engine at all. Once they are fouled, it is unlikely they will operate properly to get the engine to start so we need to change them.

So, we had old fuel, the engine flooded and fouled the plugs and now it won't start.

So we need to prove this by changing the plugs, and using known good fuel/starter fluid will get the engine to start and then it will stall once the fuel runs out.

However, at that point, you can drain the tank and if you have an inline filter, change that, and put new fuel in and you should be good to go.

Okay. I am in agreement that we may have another issue, but you have covered the basics to the point where we cannot assume it is not old fuel.

As I said, I have been burned in this exact situation by old fuel and fouled spark plugs so the only way to eliminate this is to do this and cross it off the list.

It may prove to not be the issue but doing this we will be able to confidently move on.

Sounds great.

Keep us posted on what happens.

Thanks for the update.

Okay. That is good to know now we can confidently move on.

More than likely something is stuck open, or the carb is gummed up from the fuel evaporating and leaving a residue inside the carburetor.

So, for me the next would be to remove the carburetor and rebuild it and inspect the various systems attached below.

Basically, this vehicle is not only a carb vehicle but has a lot of emissions systems on it that will cause all sorts of issues. The 80's was not a good year for fuel systems due to increased regulation.

I am attaching a couple systems that need to be inspected but I would focus on the first because if this is stuck open then it will flood the engine and it will stall.

Please run through this info and let us know what you find. Thanks

Okay. That is good. In that case we need to eliminate a vacuum leak around the carb and then I would rebuild the carburetor.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-an-engine-vacuum-gauge

Can you get a picture of the carburetor?

Perfect.

I think you have too much air.

Does the choke remain open like that? I can't tell but it looks like that is an electric choke.

If that choke is not closing, then the engine will start on the initial burst of fuel but then it will stall because there is too much air coming in before it warms up.

Let's try starting the vehicle and use some starter fluid to keep it running after it starts. So just give it a couple burst immediately after it starts and then when it starts to stall give it a couple more.

If you are able to keep it running longer than in that video, then we need to address why that choke is not closing.